CHAPTER 28- DAY 191

The night before was awesome, mainly because those kids loved to throw down money. In the previous functions, I had been with adults who, although still prideful, knew what they could get away with in terms of payment. The kids, however, netted me one hundred gold in one night. Most of it was in the form of IOUs, but the money should come in today.

As I was exercising, a thought popped into my head. I really wanted to check up on Tanya. When I first got here, I had written her a letter, and she simply replied that she was very pregnant but happy. Then things got busy, and I never got around to it. So, after breakfast, I explained to Benjamin my desire to visit Tanya at the temple and to make preparations.

The temple was on the other side of the city, so it took a little while to get there. On the way, I looked over the gifts I had for her—well, for the baby. I had made a painted rattle and a few baby books. Baby books were a market I was definitely going to exploit once literacy rates started to rise. And don't worry—I made sure not to use lead paint, which was so common around here.

When we got to the temple, a woman in her forties came out to greet us. She wasn't dressed in priestess robes.

"How may I help you?"

"I am Lord Bicman. I have come to check up on my friend Tanya. I wanted to make sure she was doing well with her pregnancy."

"Ah yes, she mentioned that you may come by soon," she said with a smile, "Curious. Well, follow me."

I wondered what was so curious about a friend stopping by.

When we arrived at a small room, the lady knocked three times. "Come in," Tanya's gentle voice said from the other side of the door.

Draves had insisted that he be on guard duty so he could also see Tanya and wish her well. When the door opened, I saw a very pregnant Tanya propped up on a low bed. When she turned and looked at me, her face lit up in a smile. "Lord Amos, you came."

I smiled back. "How are you, Tanya?"

"This baby won't stop kicking." The words made it seem like she was annoyed, but her tone told a different story.

"So, have you picked out names yet," I asked.

"It is unlucky to pick out names before the baby is born."

"Oh, well, I had no idea."

It kind of made sense that a superstition would arise like that since the infant mortality rate was so high.

There was a pause, and Tanya became fidgety.

"Something wrong, Tanya?"

"I, um, I'm not sure I should say."

That set the alarm bells going off. "You can trust me. I will keep it a secret."

"I am afraid it might be bad for you to know."

I thought for a moment and then said, "Tanya, I think you need to tell me. A thought popped into my head this morning about coming to visit you. Maybe it wasn't a coincidence."

"It may be nothing."

"Tell me, and we will see," I said firmly.

"I had a dream. There was a big stone slab outside of a village. There were a lot of names carved into it. Then the scene changed to me talking to you. It wasn't here. It wasn't really anywhere. I just knew I was telling you about the stone slab and all the names on it. But when I told you what I saw, a lot of the names started disappearing off the slab."

My face paled as I realized what she was talking about. She saw my face and became worried. "I shouldn't have told you. The names were important, and now they are gone." She looked like she was about to cry.

"No, Tanya. Those names are important, but if the slab of stone is what I think it is, then you did the right thing. Outside of the village of Bicman, we have a stone monument. Anyone who dies protecting Bicman has their name engraved on that stone. If the names disappeared when you told me, it means that you telling me about this will save a lot of people's lives."

I bent down and gave her a gentle hug. "Thank you, Tanya. I don't know what this is about, but you may have saved my people. I am sorry to cut this short, but Draves and I have to discuss this. I brought these gifts for you and the child. I handed her the books, the rattle, and a small picture of an idyllic forest. Draves gave his wishes, and we hurried out the door.

As soon as we got to the carriage, I said, "Draves, what do you think?"

"If she had ever been to Bicman and seen the monument, I would think it was her having a bad dream. But the fact that she hasn't and that she is a priestess leads me to believe it is a warning."

"I got that much, Captain. I want to know if you have any specific insights."

"Since it is the wall, it has to do with the defense of Bicman. Now, I am sure that if our men were sent to war and died, their names would be added to the wall, but I think it is an attack on Bicman itself."

I nodded. "I agree. If my men were called up for war, they would be used as fodder for arrows, and us knowing about it probably wouldn't make too much difference. But we can certainly prepare Bicman and our people for something. I need to finish up my current paintings and hurry back. You will leave tonight to help prepare defenses. The question is whether the attack will come from the north or the south."

"I would like to stay with you and send a different messenger," Draves said.

"I appreciate your concern for my well-being, but you know that is not the best option. We need you where you can make the biggest difference, and right now, that is in Bicman. We need to make a list of things that may help. I want to buy more mules and carts. You hurry back, and I will hire people to escort supplies out to Bicman.

"There are a few flip books that I keep separate from my other ideas. It is underneath the desk in my office. Under the stone we found Steward Ronald's money in. It is filled with a few drawings of things we may be able to build that will assist in the defense of Bicman. Give the design for the crossbow to our engineer and blacksmith. I haven't figured out the trigger mechanism yet, but they will get the idea when they flip it. I am sure they can work something out.

I took a deep breath, knowing I was going to regret what I was going to say next. "Find Kylie. Tell her what is going on and to get a group together to help her work on her project. It must remain an absolute secret. Our entire barony depends on her being able to keep it a secret. I don't want to open this can of worms, but it may be what saves us. It will be our plan C, or maybe we push it back to plan "we're screwed if we don't." How large of a force do you think it will be?"

"Large enough that if they caught us unaware, they could kill a lot of our militia. We don't know how well trained the group will be."

"Ugh, we need more information." I ran my hand through my hair and said, "Ok, we need to focus on what we can do. Captain, make sure the trip hammer and bellow are up and running. I want our smiths pounding out as much armor as they can for our people. That stuff that comes in strips that I see most of the soldiers wearing or if there is something else faster to make do that. You know more about this than I do, so I give you full authority to act in Bicman's best interest. Just promise me you will save as many lives as you can."

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"Do not worry, my lord, we will prepare in every way we can. However, we have no idea when they will come to Bicman. It may be a month; it may be a year."

"The longer, the better, but we need to prepare as if it is coming soon."

For the rest of the ride home, we discussed strategy. Most of it involved building quick defensive structures and training more long-range troops. We needed a fort large enough to hold all our citizens of that area. If they came from the north, they would probably land and find Cove Village. Then, they would travel the road to Melnon. If they were crossing the Nore River, they would probably travel straight to Kerisi.

The first thing we did when we got back was speak to Benjamin about the conversation with Tanya.

He was quiet for a moment and then said, "I agree with your conclusion. I will send a pigeon to my father asking if he has heard anything at all concerning Bicman. I will hint at the fact that there may be a threat. Leave scheduling a supply run for Bicman up to me. I will check the prices of weapons and metal. Armor is expensive, so it would be best to just ship raw metal and have our smiths work it into something. I know we have enough food to last until the next harvest, but if we come under siege or they burn our fields, we will need a lot of extra food.

"So food and raw material is what you're thinking?" I asked.

"That seems like the best idea. Bows are lightweight, so purchasing them might be a good idea as well. I know we discussed buying more livestock while we are here, and I would still like to do that, but I think we should make sure we have everything else in order. You, my lord, must relax. I know how anxious you get, but it will do your barony no good. The best thing you can do is find ways to bring in money."

I nodded, "You are right, thank you. I must not let this distract me from my painting. The better my paintings are, the more money I will make. The more money I make, the more supplies we can get."

I had to put my trust in these men. I was no military strategist, nor was I good at organizing people. That is why I had my subordinates. I spent the rest of the morning writing down stories and then left to go visit the Kithmoores. I was almost done with their painting and two others I had started. I had three more commissions that I had already committed to and started the general setting for. After that, I will be able to return home.

Upon returning in the evening, however, I was met with resistance to the idea of returning home within ten days.

"My lord, perhaps you should spend the entire winter here. The captain can handle things up there, and you would be safer here," Benjamin said.

I truly was surprised at the idea. I hadn't even thought of the idea of hiding. "Absolutely not. Even if I never fight during the attack, my people need to see that I am standing with them. That I care enough about them that I don't hide while they give their lives for Bicman. I may not be a warrior, but I will do everything I can to support my people."

Benjamin turned to Draves. "You were right, Charles. I suppose I should have known better."

"I did have an idea while I was out. Count Vaspar should be back any day now if he isn't back already. We have already dropped off his paper shipment, but maybe I can get an audience to meet with him. I could ask him if he knows anything."

"I disagree," Draves said, "The count may seem like a fair man, but he has his own games he is playing. He may even be involved."

"I agree." Benjamin said, "You are a small barony at the edge of his territory. He most likely won't care about a possible attack."

I kept silent. I didn't agree at all. I had met the count. He liked the status quo. Sure, if it were something as small as a bandit issue, he may not care, but the possibility of an entire raid on a barony would make him look bad, especially if it came from the South. I would wait until Draves left to set up that meeting if I could. Perhaps even try and talk to Frederick.

"One thing that surprises me is the fact that once again, the Endless one has interfered in your life. Revelations from the Endless One are usually only spoken about as rumors, but you have had this happen twice now. I am beginning to think there really is something to the people's belief that you are Chosen." Benjamin said suddenly.

Actually, it was the third time the Endless One had given revelation, but only four people knew about that one.

I asked another question to move away from that topic. "What did you find out about shipping goods to Bicman," I asked.

"I can get about four wagons full of iron shipped up to Bicman at a reasonable price. After talking with Charles, we decided that would be best. Although Bronze is stronger, and we would be able to cast it for quicker production, it is a lot heavier and much more expensive. This should free our people from mining iron or copper, and we can focus on lime and coke for fortification.

"It is a good time to buy grain since harvest just came in but livestock is another matter. The prices are not terrible, but for the larger animals, we will have to buy feed. I recommend buying Mar or goats as they do not take as much care, and their diet is less restrictive."

"How many should we purchase?"

"The people I spoke with say they can reasonably herd 400 hundred head north."

"What if we were to ship them up to the cove? I know we don't have docks, but if we built barges to bring the goods to shore. Since Captain Draves is leaving, he could first get crews working on them and, at the same time, warn Johnathan's people."

"It would delay things. We couldn't ship anything until we were sure that we had given Charles enough time to get back, speak with our people, then travel to Cove Village and start building barges. It would probably take them six to seven days to travel up the coast if they had good winds and then a day to unload and start moving everything back down to Bicman, which would take four to five days."

"It would be cheaper and safer," I said

"What if the reason we are invaded is because people hear about the Cove from the crews? A poorly defended cove might be a target," Draves said.

I thought about it for a moment, then shook my head, "No, if we are basing things off of the vision, then it doesn't add up. We wouldn't even be considering this if it weren't for knowing about the vision, and knowing about the vision decreases, not increases, the number of deaths. That means future plans will not be the cause of an invasion."

"I will look around for ships that may be willing to transport our goods. The other advantage of shipping things is we could get more things."

"Then I will make sure to speak with Johnathan and get barges built. I will also speak with our people there and see how long it would take to build a dock somewhere near Cove Village. I am sure Johnathan wouldn't mind collecting taxes on a dock we build."

Benjamin cringed.

"Don't worry, Benjamin. He will have to pay us back first before he can charge us taxes. Also, eventually, we will be building a dock elsewhere closer to where we are building the canal to drain the swamp. We can get the Cove Village taxes waived, and by the time he starts being able to charge us, we will have the other one built," I said mischievously.

"An excellent thought. Even if this wasn't in preparation for war, with you making money here, we could use the money to ship supplies up the coast and grow the barony even faster." Ben said excitedly.

"I need my own ships so that when we get things up and running, I can export goods cheaply."

"Let us focus on this first obstacle, and then we can worry about building the barony into a major port of trade."

"Don't be a wet blanket, man."

Both of them looked at me in confusion.

"Oh, come on guys, you smother a fire with a wet blanket. It means don't ruin the excitement we got going. Seriously, the things I have to put up with as a baron." I muttered.

Lady Cynthia Blackwell

"Report," I said sharply. I hated being interrupted while preparing for my meetings.

"Count Renolds has died, and his son is not being as amenable as needed. I am working on framing the son for his father's death. There are already suspicions to that effect. We just need to tip the scale."

"Did he actually do it?"

"I believe it was Count Renolds son-in-law. Lord Kir wants to cast the blame on his brother-in-law. We will help and collect on the favor."

"Good, what else."

"Three of the barons we had secured in Falmor have been executed for treason. The king is becoming paranoid."

"As he should be. Did they have anything important that they could give away?"

"No, they were under the Polin group pushing for economic reform. Just a bunch of useful puppets. I don't like losing my people, though. We need as many people in the Falmor duchy as we can get."

"There are plenty of barons willing to sell their souls. Find them."

"Of course, My lady." the man said with a bow.

"Is there anything else? Nothing of importance. I did receive word that the Baron of Bicman is gaining popularity in Vaspar. I had a report on the quality of his painting last time he was there, and it is said there is nothing that can compare to them."

"Hmmm, I think I will notify the Duke. Let's see what happens, shall we." I said. I couldn't help but give a small chuckle. I knew just what that idiot would do.